A friend in work had given me a flyer for up and coming events at the Promenade Cafe along Windsor Terrace in Dunlaoghaire.  They had an interesting mix of events running through until August. Everything from jazz to cabaret to opera.

Always willing to try something new I booked two tickets for the Dietrichs Angels supper and show which was being performed by Miss Truly DiVine. The tickets were €39 and included a two course meal along with the performance.

The cafe itself is a mix of pastal blue/greens and light coloured walls.  It’s broken up into a number of eating areas and breakfast bar near the counter. Large glass windows along the front give sea views and there is also seating outside at the front.

Our hosts for the night were the delightful Yvonne and Breffni who run the cafe. They were passionate and engaging and within minutes somehow managed to remember everyone’s name and considering there must have been about 40+ people there that was quite impressive.

We were prompty shown to our table for the night which had a place card with my name on it.  A nice touch I thought. It was table service for the night as the cafe was essentially doubling up as day time cafe and a night time bistro, which it is perfectly laid out for.  Wine was promptly ordered and poured and reasonably priced at €21.

As mentioned the ticket for the evening included a set two course menu with two starters and two mains to choose from.

So we could taste all on offer myself and H (dining partner) ordered differant dishes.  I went for the Broccoli and Emmental Soup to start and the Chicken with Tarragon for mains.  He opted for the Duck Terrine with Quince Jelly and then the Salmon Fillet with Watercress Sauce.

The Broccoli soup was nothing special.  It was tasty, it was broccoli and the fresh brown bread went well with it. The Duck Terrine however was much better and although I finished my soup I eyed the other starter with some envy.

Between courses we were treated to a Movenpick Swiss Sorbet. I opted for the Raspberry one which was just gorgeous. I even traded spoonfuls with a lady at the table beside me who had a Pear one.

My Chicken with Tarragon was ever so lightly over cooked. It wasn’t dry but it could have been more succulent.  Nevertheless it was very enjoyable and served with creamy champ and seasonal root vegetables, all of which were cooked perfectly.

Althought I’m not a big fan of it, the Salmon I have to say looked  fantastic when it came out. I always feel that it lacks flavour, or my palate might just not be sophisticated enough for Salmon. All I could taste was lemon but H tells me that it was cooked just right and full of flavour.  I’ll go with that feedback.

We were quite full after starters and mains so skipped dessert in favour of another bottle of wine. Dinner ran from about 7.30 to 8.45 at which point our wonderful hosts made a short announcement to welcome us to the second part of the evening which was the song’s of Marlene Dietrich performed by Miss Truly DiVine.

She sang a mix of Marlene’s songs from her movies and cabaret shows.  While I have to admit I didn’t actually know any of them, it was a very engaging performance and between each song we learned a little of Marlene’s life story. Miss Truly DiVine remained in character for the whole performance and walked in between the tables in all areas of the cafe ensuring that the entire audience felt part of the show.  I have to say she was very entertaining.   Unfortuantely I didn’t get any pictures of her at our performance but have included a couple below from her website where you can see her in character.

At €39 for a nights entertainment I can honestly say the Promenade Cafe was a great choice for an alternative Saturday night out. I would encourage you to visit one of their upcoming events to see for yourself.

Web: http://www.promenadecafe.ie/

1-2 Windsor Terrace
Dun Laoghaire
Co. Dublin